In this episode, Dr. Kristan Staudenmayer discusses the critical intersection of healthcare economics and trauma surgery. She emphasizes the need for surgeons to understand financial aspects to advocate effectively for their patients. The conversation explores the role of the Healthcare Economics Committee, the challenges posed by Relative value units (RVUs) in measuring surgical work, and the importance of building tools for advocacy in healthcare economics.

Takeaways

• Surgeons often lack training in healthcare economics.
• Understanding finance empowers better patient care.
• RVUs do not accurately reflect the work of acute care surgeons.
• Financial literacy is essential for effective advocacy.
• Value in healthcare is a complex and multifaceted concept.
• Billing practices need improvement among surgeons.
• The workload of trauma surgeons is often invisible to others.
• Advocacy tools are being developed for better communication with leadership.
• Research is needed to address workforce issues in acute care surgery.

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Dumas discusses his journey to becoming an Associate Member of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) and the benefits of involvement in the organization. He highlights the importance of engagement, networking, and leadership development for early-career surgeons. Dr. Dumas emphasizes the value of community support and the opportunities available for surgical residents, fellows, and attending surgeons within 7 years of completing training to join and contribute to the AAST.

In this episode, Dr. Marc DeMoya discusses the AAST Leadership Academy, which provides ongoing professional development for mid to senior level leaders in acute care surgery. The academy aims to enhance leadership and administrative skills through core content modules and specialized sessions. The application process requires applicants to be fellows or associate members of the AAST with at least five years of experience and a formal leadership position. The in-person session at the AAST meeting is a highlight of the academy, featuring interactive sessions and networking opportunities. Dr. DeMoya emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, listening, and effective communication in leadership roles.

Takeaways

• The AAST Leadership Academy offers ongoing professional development for mid to senior level leaders in acute care surgery.
• The academy focuses on enhancing leadership and administrative skills through core content modules and specialized sessions.
• Applicants must be fellows or associate members of the AAST with at least five years of experience and a formal leadership position.
• The in-person session at the AAST meeting provides interactive sessions and networking opportunities.
• A growth mindset, active listening, and effective communication are essential for successful leadership.